a matter of
idiom
1
—used to refer to a small amount
It cooks in a matter of (a few) minutes.
The crisis was resolved in a matter of a few hours.
The ball was foul by a matter of inches.
2
—used to say that one thing results from or requires another
Learning to ride a bicycle is a matter of practice.
His success was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
It's only a matter of time before/until we catch him.
3
—used to explain the reason for something
She insists on honesty as a matter of principle.
All requests for free tickets are turned down as a matter of policy.
Examples of a matter of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However, why this treatment method works is still a matter of debate.
—
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2025
In just a matter of days, the post has gone viral with over 30,000 views and more than 1,000 votes at the time of writing.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes in the extreme heat.
—Katie Wiseman, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 July 2025
Eric Mein, a Tahoe resident who owns and operates Topside Boat Training, said the emergency likely unfolded in a matter of minutes.
—Ethan Wolin
updated July 23, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for a matter of
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Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2025
In just a matter of days, the post has gone viral with over 30,000 views and more than 1,000 votes at the time of writing.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes in the extreme heat.
—Katie Wiseman, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 July 2025
Eric Mein, a Tahoe resident who owns and operates Topside Boat Training, said the emergency likely unfolded in a matter of minutes.
—Ethan Wolin
updated July 23, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for a matter of
Cite this Entry
“A matter of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20matter%20of. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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